Cake Indulgence at China House

The silver lining about moving to a new town is every outing is a new experience, and being in Penang, every outing for a meal is like a vacation. There are so many choices here. You want street food, food court, fine dining and franchise (although I do hold some grudge for them having only one McDonald's outlet in Seberang Jaya, and then there is no Burger King around here).

In conclusion, you want to eat, you have it. No questions asked!

Like a few months ago, Mr Hubby visited this cafe that served impressive array of menu, with thousand types of cakes. When he gloated to me about it, I thought to myself it is virtually impossible. And then he goes on and on how it takes from the front part through the back alley right into the row at the back. Again I was thinking, is Penang even that big to have something that sounds so well spread? And then I was told it is actually is a cafe, bar, wine bar, art gallery, has live bands, and like 101 other things.

Curiosity killed the cat, so although I ain't no cat, we had to visit the place right the next weekend, like pronto!

My, oh my! Was I in for a surprise, shock, amazement, whatever you call it, it is not enough to explain the feelings, especially when you love everything cakes. Yes, cake'S'. Here's how:

This is one section, another chilled section on the left, not in pic. And get this, they keep topping up the different cakes and goodies. It's like diabetes galore, diabetes that I want to embrace.

If that this point you are not amazed enough, feel free to leave this space. 

Ok no, please wait, the fun does not stop here.

Their best cake is the tiramisu, and you have the option to take alcoholic and non alcoholic. No prize for guessing which one I jumped upon. It is absolutely a must try! Soft cheesy layer in between soft spongy cakes, topped with icing and what tastes like granola.  

Second best is the espresso walnut cake, the square shaped on the right.

Then there's moist buttermilk chocolate cake, again yummy!

On the top right corner is the salted caramel cheesecake. Too salty for my taste. On the top left is the gourmet hotdog with fries. Things we do to satisfy kids.

Some close ups, from top to bottom is salted caramel cheesecake, espresso walnut and moist buttermilk chocolate cake.

Hope you did not expect me to list out all their cakes, because no I am not doing it, but just mentioning my favourites. As we all are quick to jump onto our food when it arrives, you will notice I have very few candid shots. The more artistic ones are by My Hubby who takes pride in the Iphone6 skills.

Also thanks to my non-photographic skills, the accounts and photos here are actually compiled from our multiple visits there. 

If you noticed, our table came with square white papers, sophisticatedly known as 'mahjong papers', and every table is equipped with good amount of crayons. Basically they tap into your creativity as you see heaven in every bite of their God-sent cakes.

Thanks to our gastronomically superior experiences we've produced quite a few masterpieces while indulging, especially the kids, and oh, notice the red velvet cake as you immerse yourself into the art.

Tiramisu, chocolate decadent and red velvet cakes, at your service!

Art too.

See how all the hands get into producing art.

And the best art award has to go to the portrait My Hubby created, full credits to him, Iphone only took the picture. So that's me, as conceived by Mr Hubby.

The selected artworks will be displayed at their cafe and also the art gallery, and seeing the collection they have there, people are pretty creative and arty after their cakexperiences. The last time we went there I tried to spot my portrait but couldn't find it. Looks like we need another trip to China House to indulge and submit another artwork!

Here's Mr Hubby pulling more Iphone6 tricks, an ariel view from the art gallery on the second floor. I am sitting on one side and there are cakes on the other side.

Taking a walk from the front to the back is really an interesting experience because the deco, the setting, and the graffiti brings you into different moods, ambience, and that vintage feel that you forget for a short while that you are in the 21st century.

And here's some of our pics. My Hubby was doing the beard trend, till the cakes got into them. Not bad if you want to have some cakes to-go!

The boys and me, right before we leave the place. I can't tell if my eyes are opened or not, regardless, awesome cakes, I was probably high on cakes!

So now you know, if you are in Penang where are the best cakes. In fact, once you've had China House cakes, everything else just pales in comparison. One might feel the pricing in on the higher side, but the pieces are oh-my-big-enough-to-drown.

China House is addictive like that. Try it, if you dare!

We have moved!

The last 4 months brought a huge, no, HUGE wave of change into our lives. Sometime in September something BIG was cooking. We waited and waited, and upon many many days of hoping and planning, it happened. Mr Hubby revealed the answer, which involved a big shift, literally, in locations, plans and possibly everything.

For the two months that we started planning, it was tough and I felt very torn. We lived in Klang for almost 8 years and it was not easy wondering how are we going to leave our comfort place, and comfort people behind. The whole process, was exciting, the same time very disheartening knowing we are living our home behind. All the more I was determined to settle in and make our new home at the new place once again, with the hope that this change will be seamless for all of us, especially the comfort of our own home.

And move we did. For a new beginning, new era, new life and new present future. And possibly for a better future future. 

In case you are wondering further, ok so Mr Hubby got this once in a lifetime offer in Penang, which involved us coming out of our comfort zone, moving to Penang Mainland. Sure, it sounded very hard in the beginning, in fact it sounded impossible! However with each other's support, we took it to task, planned and executed it to the tee! 

And yes, this is a blatant promotion for the Happy Movers who helped us make this process so smooth and well, just pleasant! Their services is highly recommended from our personal experience. They packed our kitchen items, furniture and all the electrical items very carefully, so to avoid any kind of scratches or mishaps.

Here we managed to capture a little moment of some of our plants. All of these plants are something I have acquired from my friends that I made over the years in Klang, and also some from my mother. The very fact of keeping and growing them holds special memories, and it was pleasant to be able to bring some of them over with us. However some we left behind in a very good home in Klang Vallet, hope they continue to flourish and be green ever after.

During the whole of December we were practically travelling between states for the move, the same time trying to catch a short getaway as it was school holidays for the kids. We had the opportunity to stay in G Hotel during this time, and managed to catch scenic view of Butterworth and Georgetown complimenting each other from each side. How pretty is that?

And with this change, there were a few more changes waiting to come in effect. Sanju was finishing his kindy and joined Primary One this year, like, can you believe it? It's like just yesterday he was born! All those sleepless nights trying to catch with the first time as parents, just precious thinking how he has grown up to be fine young primary school goer!

And the same time, I put on my Stay At Home Mother hat once again, now that we are in a new city (rather a small town), and with Sanju in Primary One, he needs me more than ever. Right now my days are all about school runs and cooking and baking, oh yeay!!

Soon enough it was the anniversary of his born-day, yes, Sanju turned 7 years old!

This is a sight not to be missed at our new place. Chinese New Year is held in such grand way, performances till late night, and awesome bak kwa everywhere, and oh, did I mention, my town (small town, rather) is heaven for Chinese delicacy! And we are still not done tasting every shop yet!

Here I am signing off for this time, hopefully it won't be too long before I start posting more, as I am back to experimenting with more cooks and bakes! Till then, toodles!

Birthdays And Memories

NanaG just celebrated his birthday with Daksh, accompanied by minion-grandkids!

With that many assistants, we could have lighted all of NanaG's birthday candles, they could blow it together, without NanaG losing breath.

I had to post this here, the boys in their new clothes for another night of entertainment at Club Med!

Our short vacations in the colder lands - cineplexes! #KabaliDaa

Mummy was feeling generous and she got them the rug with roads and such. It was a hit, they finally had a spot to arrange all their hot wheel toys, and then Jeev started bringing in his animals, saying, the people love animals so they'd like to have some. Needless to say, the duo fought soon after because the animal were crowding the streets.

National Day celebration, duo-cultural boys!

He said 'Amma look, I am a walking and talking house'

Engaging in water paiting with cousin Daksh.

Brotherly play, before the fight breaks out. 

The boys during their religious attempts, doing the haavan with the rest.

Who could resist a horse ride? Only Jeev, he was practically begging us not to put him on the horse, despite being the animal lover.

Last but not least, this boy has come a long way, from being toothless, to growing his first teeth, and now, its time to extract the teeth to make way for the new ones. And next year he will be donning the primary school uniform. 

Jeev And The Club 2016

Yes, both Sanju and Jeev love to go clubbing. They have loads of fun playing, eating, swimming, and more playing and lots of freeflow drinking at the club. It this the Club Med Cherating. Not just them, but us parents too, have loads of fun playing, eating, swimming and freeflow drinking. I think you get the gist by now.

Its two months now, we were at the Club Med Cherating (yet again!) celebrating this year's achievements, and Jeev's 5th birthday, in which, this time, he promised he will be join the Mini Club activities and come back with many many fun things done and learnt. Our last trip there was exactly a year ago.

Kids had tonnes of activities lined up at Mini Club, which also included a talent show, where they joined the other kids to perform for us parents. Other than that, it was lots of singing, dancing, playing in the sand and the pool. Complete memories and experience for them.

Someone made sand Ninja Turtle for the kids while we soaked in the beach water, jellyfish sighting, and staying far enough not to be stung.

While the kids were with friends at the Mini Club, we parents, just did absolutely nothing, soaking in the Zen infinity pool. Ah, bliss!

Also eating.

And drinking.

And Selfie-ing, which we do very very rarely.

The ultimate finale was surprising Jeev with his cake! But I think he kinda expected it after all the holiday hoo-haa. You know how it is.

The best part about Club Med is they have endless activities, or you just chill doing nothing, but eating and drinking. And at night, you dress up and join the night entertainment that keeps the whole family happy!

Needless to say, we all got back tanned from the holiday, rejuvenated, and already planning for the next Club Med getaway!

Club Med Cherating July 2015

Our most celebrated and awesome vacation ever. Club Med Cherating!

Upon our arrival, while waiting for our booking details, we saw this sign, how politely durians are not allowed, yet explained in detail on its nature & popularity.

Once settling our luggages in our room, we went for a quick meal at the noodle bar. My, oh my, to our surprise there was a tap (pardon my lack for better word) for draught beer, 'heavenly' as said by my significant half. And so it officially began.

We immediately got the kids changed and playing at the pool.

And got our respective drinks.

The practice of drinking cocktails continued for the next 4 days. Non stop. It was more worth drinking cocktails than water here. True Story.

Margaritas for breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner. And supper if you may. In fact you could request for any combination of drinks at the bar. Imagination is your limit.

Kids joined the mini club for 4-7 year olds. Sanju had his first ever adventure of  trapeze jump. And how!

While Jeev preferred to hang-out with the folks (yup, thats us) at the bar.

And hey before I forget, yes there is loads and loads of food that even foodies like us did not get to taste every bite of. By 3rd day we were so turned off buy the breads/desserts aroma.. it is that awesome!

And please do not take my pictures for it, they totally do not do justice cos I felt so weird taking pics of the restaurant.. there is so much more to see and eat!

Every night there was entertainment and performance. There would be music and dance till 12am, its just we with kids did not stay out so late because lets face it, the kids (and us parents too) get so darn tired by end of the day.

On our last night there, the Mini Club kids did a performance and Sanju participated in it.

See the boy with moustache? He enjoyed the club so much that every morning he would get up and nag me till I dropped him at the club house. It is definitely one of the highlights of Club Med as a family holiday destination.

That night, it rained heavily, right after the performance, it was some experience for us, as well as sentiment revoking. Yes, we are so Bollywood like that!

This is the theatre where the performance is every night.

The kids pool is so huge, kids have the most fun!

The village is built on stilts, and nature is preserved below it. As you walk to and fro your room everyday, it is not uncommon to see animals like lizards, squirrels, monkeys and lovely birds roaming about, totally oblivious to human activities. 

The beach is clean and lovely. You can also walk or take the tram to the other beach which is better for family to play and enjoy. So much to do, see and eat, it is a complete holiday for a family with kids especially. We are hoping that Jeev would enjoy the club the next time we go Club Med. Oh yes, there is definitely going to be a next time!!